What Does It Feel Like to Be Old?

 

“What Does It Feel Like to Be Old?”

Someone asked me recently,

“What does it feel like to be old?”

And I almost laughed—

because, truthfully… I don’t feel old.

Yes, the mirror shows silver in my hair and soft lines around my eyes,

but inside?

My spirit still hums the songs of youth.

It dances like it did when I was twenty.

So I smiled and said,

“Growing older… is a privilege.”

These wrinkles?

They’re laugh lines from stories well-lived.

These gray strands?

They’re silver threads stitched from wisdom and wonder.

I no longer chase flat stomachs or flawless skin.

I chase sunrises, quiet joy, and the kind of laughter that makes your ribs ache.

I don’t apologize for sleeping in,

for letting the dishes wait,

or for having ice cream for dinner.

I stay up till 3 a.m. watching old movies in my robe,

reading books that take me places my feet never will—

and I feel no guilt for it.

Sometimes I dance in my kitchen to tunes from the ’50s.

Sometimes I cry over a memory I thought I’d forgotten.

And both are sacred.

Both are signs that I’ve lived and loved deeply.

I’ve said too many goodbyes.

Buried people I loved far too soon.

But I’m still here—

Still breathing,

Still finding reasons to smile.

And yes, I’ll wear the swimsuit.

I’ll run into the waves without shame.

Let them stare.

If they’re lucky, they’ll get here too.

The older I get, the more I trust the quiet voice inside me.

I don’t cling to the past.

I don’t fear what’s ahead.

I simply live.

With love.

With courage.

With gratitude.

So… what does it feel like to be old?

It feels liberating.

It feels fierce.

It feels beautiful.

And I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

Source: Restful on Facebook

I don't remember where I found the photo below, but seems fitting to add to this post.